Former Nigerian Presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi has said that Nigeria currently ranks 109th in the global index of hungry nations, urging the federal government to invest significantly in agriculture.
This he revealed during a private Ramadan visit to Kebbi state as part of his tour to the northern region to assess and support the communities.
During his visit to the government house, where he was received by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, Mr. Obi lamented Nigeria’s poverty and hunger, attributing it to the federal government’s failure to invest significantly in agriculture.
He called for an all-round investment in agriculture, especially in the north, which has a large expanse of arable land that can be utilized for both peasant and mechanized farming.
Speaking further, Obi stressed that investing in agriculture could help address Nigeria’s issues with foreign exchange, security, limited education, and healthcare access. By focusing on a production-based economy, the country could boost exports and generate foreign exchange.
He further expressed concern about Nigeria having the highest uncultivated land globally, despite having a large number of unemployed youth.
He highlighted the missed opportunity to leverage these resources for a nationwide agricultural development, which could create millions of direct and indirect jobs.
Mr Peter Obi also paid a visit to the Emir of Gwandu palace, where he was received by His Royal Highness, Emir of Gwandu, Muhammadu Illiyasu Bashar.
During his visit, he announced several initiatives to support the local community, including plans to provide daily Ramadan meals for 100 underprivileged persons, and to build a borehole in Kahuta village, near the Dukku Army Barracks in Birnin Kebbi.
He stressed that his visit was not politically driven but rather motivated by his desire to help underprivileged communities. He reaffirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s progress and expressed his hope that one day, disadvantaged individuals would become self-sufficient.
In his remarks, the Emir of Gwandu, Muhammadu Illiyasu Bashar, thanked Mr. Obi for the visit, calling him a longtime friend. He encouraged Nigerian leaders to listen to Mr. Obi’s advice on prioritizing investment in northern agriculture to address poverty across the region and the nation.
